Anti-heroin deal includes treatment boost, penalty increase

A deal between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and top lawmakers on a series of measures meant to fight heroin abuse will expand access to treatment options for abusers while increasing penalties illegally selling prescription opiates.

"This is a terrible problem that is facing this state," Cuomo said at a news conference. "They say in substance-abuse, drug-abuse treatment, the first step is to admit the reality. Denial is not an option, and we shouldn't deny the problem we currently have with heroin."

The package includes a number of measures passed earlier this month by the Senate. But some Democrats in both houses raised concern about a number of the Senate bills that increased penalties for heroin sellers. The final agreement included penalties focused more on prescription drug abuse, including the creation of a new crime for so-called "doctor shoppers," in which someone goes to multiple doctors to obtain multiple different prescriptions for opiates.

"Today, we're sending the message that the state of New York is getting more involved in the fight against heroin than ever before," said Silver, D-Manhattan.

The number of people seeking treatment for heroin or opiate abuse has increased by 40 percent over the last decade, according to data from the state Department of Health. In 2013, there were 89,269 admissions to state-certified heroin and opiate treatment programs.